October 22, 2019

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) signed on October 22 the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing partnership between the agencies in order to strengthen the capacity of the members of various cooperatives in the country.

The agreement provides that the capacity and competence of cooperative members, officers and staff will be strengthened through access to technical education and skills development training, especially those belonging to indigenous peoples (IPs) and internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Marawi, Maguindanao and nearby municipalities, including the rebel returnees for them to become responsible and productive citizens of the country.

“Through this partnership, we hope that CDA will also promote the programs and activities of TESDA to strengthen further our advocacy program ‘Abot Lahat’ to all our kababayan,” said TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña during the ceremonial signing.

TESDA, as the authority in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), is mandated to provide direction, policies, programs and standards towards quality technical education and skills development.

While the CDA is the government agency mandated to promote the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice and sustainable economic development.

Under the said agreement, TESDA shall facilitate the access to TVET programs of the cooperative members, officers and staff, to include among others technology-based, community-based training programs, scholarship programs, enterprise development among others.

TESDA will also grant scholarship slots to deserving members, officers and staff of cooperatives, especially the IPs and IDPs of Marawi, Maguindanao and nearby municipalities subject to the availability of funds and guidelines prescribed by TESDA on scholarship programs.

Scholars who passed the competency assessment will be issued the corresponding National Certificates or Certificates of Competency.

Meanwhile, the CDA shall promote the programs of TESDA in order to raise awareness among cooperatives.

The CDA shall also identify the beneficiaries taking into consideration the requirements of TESDA giving priority to the IPs and IDPs of Marawi and its nearby municipalities including the rebel returnees.

A Coordinating Committee shall be created by the TESDA and CDA which will conduct the regular monitoring and updating of the implementation of this partnership program.

The Committee shall also formulate the guidelines for the proper implementation of the Agreement.

“I am sure that our efforts, both from TESDA and CDA, will be meaningful to the development of our TVET stakeholders and beneficiaries,” Lapeña concluded.

The MOA will take effect for an initial period of one (1) year upon signing.

Buyabod School of Arts and Trades celebrates its 16th founding anniversary last August 31, 2016.